The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.
European river otter
Today in History
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Bangkok, Thailand
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Mothering Sunday
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Spring equinox
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Starry, starry night
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Palouse region, Idaho, USA
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Happy Canada Day!
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National Winnie-the-Pooh Day
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Paralympic Games begin in Paris
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Bohemian waxwings
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King of the jungle? Nope
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Huddled and hunting
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Grand National
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International Mountain Day
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The fjords of Italy
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Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
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Aqueduct, Arkadia Park, Poland
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Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
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Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
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Tombeau du Géant in Bouillon, Belgium
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Summer Olympics begin in Paris
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Where is this scenic view?
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Towering trees of Tuscany
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Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England
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Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
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A Balearic islet
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Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, United States
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A prickly customer
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World Environment Day
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Skyscraper Day
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Baby giant panda in China